This year holiday-goers can ditch mainstream locations like the Maldives, St. Barts and the French Riviera for something a bit more exotic and a lot more exclusive – the lesser known São Tomé & Príncipe is one of Africa’s smallest nations, stretching across 1,000 square kilometers of landmass and with a population of less than 200,000. However, with some of the richest biodiversity on Earth, its emerging tourism sector is quickly harnessing the scenic islands’ untapped potential.

Bom Bom Island Resort located on Príncipe Island provides an idyllic setting for guests to marvel at pristine lagoons and dramatic mountain tops while kicking it back in modern bungalows that overlook the sea. With famous chefs and a 24-hour service staff – guests are treated to the better life and can even sneak a peek into how some of the best chocolate in the world is harvested at the at the Terreiro Velho plantation of Claudio Corallo.

This is a travel destination that is unique for two reasons – the natural surroundings and the people. The luxurious simplicity of the rooms allows guests to have a more harmonious experience and enjoy the emerald green water and private beaches instead of getting lost in modern amenities. This is pure relaxation and becoming one with Nature at starting price of $1450 per person/night.

Bom Bom is quickly rising to fame on the international tourist scene as it is not just another overly-developed resort, remaining a tranquil place, where you can surrender to the charm and the natural beauty of this hidden gem of Africa.

Ivanka Trump’s apartment, which is a frequent topic of discussion in magazines, is the epitome of refined contemporary taste. It is the place, where vintage accents meet funky light fixture by contemporary designers and plenty of custom-made furniture for an overall aesthetic of low-key affluence.

However, the true worth of Ivanka’s real estate haven lies in the works of art that hang on the walls. From a Dan Colen “chewing gum” painting, valued work sold for $578,500 at Phillips New York in 2012. Another impressive piece is a “bullet hole” silkscreen by Nate Lowman – a similar one sold for $665,000 in 2013 at Sotheby’s in New York. Ivanka’s dining room is accentuated by a painting by well-known painter Alex Israel. A similar painting by Israel sold for $581,000 in 2014 at Phillips New York.

A series of prints by conceptual artist John Baldessari, as well as a massive work by art-market juggernaut Christopher Wool, complements a small piece by the up-and-coming artist Will Boone, prints by photographer Mariah Robertson, and a small, colorful abstract painting by the young art-world star Alex Da Corte.

Much of Trump’s art was purchased with the assistance of adviser Alex Marshall. Most wealthy, aspiring collectors turn to art advisers for recommendations about what to buy, and to gain access to work that would be unavailable to art-world outsiders.

As 2016 is coming closer and the team behind The Billionaire Shop wishes you Happy Holidays, let’s take a look at the top destinations for gourmet holidays; premium spirits, must-have real estate and exclusive objects that make for amazing gifts that are sure to thrill every connoisseur.

We know buyers with discerning taste and the money to back it up only want the best of the best. And what’s a better way to spend New Year’s Eve than at the brand new and trending LA’s Newest Tiki Palace – a true a Polynesian paradise that is a delightful addition to Clifton’s Pacific Seas restaurant. Another spot worth your attention is just a short flight away in London’s One Aldwych hotel, where Michelin three-star chef Eneko Atxa is treating his guests to mouth-watering delicacies that celebrate modern Basque cuisine. And what better spirit to wash the delicious food down with than the latest edition of Reserva de la Familia extra añejo ($149) – the pinnacle of Jose Cuervo’s tradition?

And every gentleman who is frequently on the road would want to head over to Louis Vuitton, Loewe and Mark Cross Grace, whose collective efforts can make any trip smoother, smarter, and more stylish with the Louis Vuitton Pégase Légère 55 carry-on for $3,800; Loewe’s briefcase for $2,190 and Mark Cross Grace leather trunk for $8,250.

If you haven’t yet finished your holiday shopping – one thing you will definitely want on your list is the rare Leonardo da Vinci drawing, which depicts the martyrdom of the early Christian Saint Sebastian, and is the first work by da Vinci to be uncovered in more than 15 years. The sketch is valued at around $15.8 million.

Framed, it would go perfectly in this spectacular 48,000-square-foot Bel Air Mansion, which is on the marker for $85 million. Located in sunny LA, it is surrounded by a labyrinth of elaborate rose gardens, drawing inspiration from French chateaus and boasts grand ballroom, 70-foot infinity pool, swan pond, a private elevator, spa, and 19 fireplaces. The 100-person courtyard is the ideal setting for a once-in-a-lifetime New Year party.

It’s hard to imagine in the winter holiday season without the smooth goodness of these single-malt treats. Even today, most single malts are not that prevalent on the market but this is starting to change. One of the best-selling blends in the world is Dewar’s White Label. It relies on a combination of more than 40 single malts along with grain whisky. Among those 40-plus are five owned by John Dewar & Sons. One of those, Aberfeldy, has ever been widely available as a single malt. All five have just been released as single malts, each getting its turn in the spotlight.

Another first placeholder is Craigellachie, currently available in 13- and 23-year-old expressions (priced at $55 and $280, respectively), is an interesting offer. It’s been around since the 1890s (although it’s been used almost exclusively in blends until now), and it continues to be made the same way. It’s one of the only whiskies that malts (cooks). Connoisseurs are treated to a tangy, fruity, slightly sulphuric flavour that has been described by many as “meaty.” Both expressions are unlike anything else on the market.

The Woodford Reserve Brandy Cask Finish is an atypical whiskey (priced at $100)—it cannot legally be called bourbon but it contains various elements that influence a bourbon’s character. Although it starts out as a fully mature Woodford Reserve bourbon it is then finished for almost two years in brandy casks. The result is a smooth bouquet of apple pie, crisp caramel, and dried fruit, all wrapped in a delicate veil of vanilla and maple.

Half a century after it came to be, Christie’s wine department is commemorating the memorable occasion with an exclusive event – Finest Wines and Spirits: The 50th Anniversary Sale. Taking place at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City on December 9, the wine auction highlights a number of covetable vintages that make the brand so well-known amongst connoisseurs. One of the most-anticipated offers is the Rémy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl, a luxurious blend created from eaux-de-vies and aged for up to a century in a Limousin oak barrel known as a tierçon. Sheathed in a hand-blown Baccarat crystal decanter, the one-of-a-kind champagne can reach a price of $65,000 per bottle – well worth its palatable and smooth taste.

Another anticipated item is the Blade and Bow Single Barrel 24-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The rare bourbon collection consists of 34 bottles with one empty whiskey barrel per lot, and is estimated to sell for between $24,000 and $35,000. The liquor line includes Château Cheval-Blanc 1982 (prices between $6,500 and $8,500), the Macallan 50-Year-Old Anniversary Malt 1928 (priced at $35,000 to $45,000), and the Petrus 1990 (at $30,000 to $40,000).

Whiskey aficionados will appreciate these one-of-a-kind collectable pieces that make bourbon history Distilled and aged by some of the most sought after brands in the world, these rare blends are in a class of their own when it comes to texture, taste and quality. All proceeds from the sale will benefit Robin Hood, New York’s largest poverty-fighting organization.

The high-end world of fine dining is excitedly looking forward to a host of new releases from Scotland to Seattle in the form of spicy or sweet, smoky or fruity rich whiskey blends. Connoisseurs will be thrilled with the 5 best whiskies this fall.

1. Ardbeg Twenty One Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Ardbeg Twenty One (at $500 per bottle) is a nod to simpler times. Distilled in 1993 and ’94, it is entirely aged in former bourbon barrels. The flavour is bursting with vanilla and tropical fruit notes (coconut, banana, hints of mango, and pineapple), along with buttery biscuit undertone. All of that is beautifully balanced with peat and smoke, cementing the status of this whiskey as one of Islay’s most historic treasures.

2. 2016 Old Forester 15th Anniversary Birthday Bourbon

Barrelled on June 4, 2004, and bottled this year, this year’s edition is one of the better bourbons in this (mostly) distinguished series. With rich, sweet, and just a touch bitter, it is full of caramel and candied orange peel. A long and savoury experience -it will set you back $80 a bottle to enjoy the he oak and peppery spice start coming through, and the dry and sweet mingle on the finish.

3. Westland Distillery Garryana American Malt Whiskey

As one of the pioneers of the burgeoning American malt whiskey scene, their latest release is limited to 2,500 bottles and is the first in what Westland is calling the “Native Oak Series”. Generous notes of honey, cherries, and dark chocolate complement wisps of smoke, before a long, tobacco-and-leather finish. The smooth blend is priced at $125 per bottle.

4. Lagavulin 25-Year-Old

At $1,200 per bottle Lagavulin promises (and delivers) extremely smooth and pleasurable notes amplified and rounded out by the extra time in wood for its limited edition whiskey. The gentle finish will make novices shudder and aficionados sigh with delight.

5. Glencadam 25-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

The limited-edition 25 Year Old (at $500 per bottle) is aged in ex-bourbon barrels, giving it an unsual sparkle for its age. Its pale gold colour and a sweet, floral nose blend beautifully with the supple and creamy taste with rich notes of vanilla, honey, and marzipan. This is the ultimate treat for any respectable whiskey fan.

The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) was founded in Maastricht, the Netherlands, in 1988 as an international annual assembly of top-tier collectors and vendors of jewelry, watches, and object sof art. On October 22, the five-day fair will take place in New York, marking its first foray outside Europe. 93 dealers will make an appearance and some of their announced creations are already drawing attention worldwide. Let’s take a look at the most awaited brands to showcase at the exclusive event.

Hemmerle

The fourth generation family-run jewellery house from Munch is known for its designs that resemble contemporary works of art, every bit wearable. Producing one-of-a-kind pieces, Hemmerle honours ancient techniques by adding a contemporary twist. The century-old jewellery business is taking jewelry to greater and newer heights with a myriad of new offerings.

Veronique Bamps

The antique-jewelry expert with a firm in Monaco, will be exhibiting a delicate design once owned by Princess Irene of Greece. This detailed 16-inch-long gold-chain choker necklace is accentuated with 24 delicate diamond clusters in the garland style (popular in early 1900s). Price for the piece is available on request.

Primavera Gallery

New York’s Primavera Gallery will display a one-of-a-kind platinum-and-diamond Art Deco–style brooch made by Tiffany & Co. in 1837. A popular item at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Highlights from the Modern Design Collection: 1900–Present, Part II exhibition, the dazzling piece is an unusual foray into the Art Deco design realm for the brand, which is known for its elaborate Art Nouveau styles.

S.J. Shrubsole

New York-based S.J. Shrubsole will exhibit these Columbian emerald pendant earrings, which date back to the 1850s. Each 18-karat-gold earring is centred on smaller 0.4-carat emeralds at the base and a larger 2-carat cushion-shaped emerald at the bottom; a total of 52 diamonds surround the earrings’ emeralds. Asking price for the earrings is $125,000.

The summer is nearing its end and the renowned sommelier Erik Johnson has decided to mark the end of the season with his favourite picks at this year’s most note-worthy Napa cabernets for the wine cellar of the French Laundry in Napa Valley as part of the restaurant’s extensive renovation (due to be completed this fall). Over 1,000 wines were added to a list that he subsequently dwindled to roughly 1,500 and deepened the focus on the sun-soaked Napa Valley. His most exciting discoveries include:

1. Larkmead Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo

Retailing at $175 per bottle, the Larkmead Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo is named after Dr. Harold P. Olmo and will be out for consumer use in October. It is an intense wine, courtesy of the gravel soil and the special blend of older vines (15+ years) with a classic, fresh style, elevated aroma profile and medium body with great structure.

2. Tusk Estates 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

Tusk Estates 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is due in September and will be sold for $450 per bottle of “one of the prettiest, silkiest, most amazing Cabernets,”. Fresh and juice, it blends in a charismatic way that is precise and intense while retaining its delicacy.

The first release from the historic vinery since it was purchased by Charles Banks is the delectable Mayacamas Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder, estimated at $125, which will debut in the fall of 2017. It is an old-world style wine with crisp acidity and little oak.

Frequent travelers know how necessary it is to be able to find an urban haven in every city they visit. And when you’re a millionaire the task gets even more daunting as you need your privacy and there is a certain standard of living you’re used to. Let’s look at the five best city hotels that have it all.

1. Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Paris is known for its exceptional hotels, but this one is one-of-a-kind with its artful combination of European grandeur and artful Asian style. The hotel features 101 rooms including 36 sprawling suites with private balconies that overlook the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. Rooms start at €1300/night.

2. Park Hyatt, Sydney

If you’re travelling Down Under, be sure to check in the Park Hyatt. Set in the historic Rocks neighbourhood, it is located right between two of Australia’s best-known landmarks—the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The 26-year-old hotel boasts panoramic views and exceptional service. Rooms start at $900/night.

3. Mandarin Oriental, New York

As the name suggests, the style of the Mandarin Oriental blends austere urban aesthetics with Asian style. Guests can enjoy jaw-dropping Central Park views. The 244-room hotel in Columbus Circle even has its own private park on the 35th-floor Asiate—a power-lunch favourite. Rooms start at $650/night.

4. Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard, London

Located on the southern bank of the Thames, this state-of-the-art hotel takes up floors 34 through 52 of the Shard, one of Europe’s tallest buildings. It exhibits the refined and elegant style the British are well known for and is famous for the impeccable service that wealthy people are accustomed to. Rooms start at £400/nigiht

5. Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

Located in the tallest building in the city, right at the core of Roppongi, the capital’s entertainment, diplomatic, and design-related business hub. The hotel occupies the top nine floors of the 53-story Midtown Tower, offering 360-degree panoramic vistas of Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji as well as the minimalistic Japanese style that people admire. Rooms start at $400/night.

Golf enthusiasts have another reason to look forward to another round of their favourite pastime – all thanks to Oakley and Bubba Watson—a two-time Masters champion and one of the top five golfers in the world. When the two aficionados joined creative forced with the team behind Martin Aircraft Company the end result was a spectacular golf cart hovercraft that can travel over fairways, greens, water and sand traps with equal ease. All for the humble price of $200,000.

A recent upgrade saw the initial design improved by improving the capacity from hovering a few feet off the ground to flying up to a few thousand feet above it. This is the world’s first flying golf cart jet pack and although it may seem as something right out of a sci-fi movie – the BW-Air is quite real. It makes every golf game a true adventure, allowing its passenger to obtain a bird’s eye view of the golf course. This is a significant advantage, especially when planning a tough shot and it can very well be said that players who get to buy one of these will certainly have the upper hand in any game. There is plenty of carriage space to fit all golf clubs, sand bottles, and other equipment and transport it with ease.

The BW-Air has a 210 hp engine, which allows it to climb to the spectacular 3,000 feet, and fly at up to 46 mph. It is expected that the jet pack receives FAA approval any moment now, after which golfers will be able to purchase the futuristic golf cart jet pack for a starting price of $200,000. Of course, to operate it – proper flight training and certification will be required.